EP0698054B1 - Geformter verschluss für flüssigkeitsbehälter - Google Patents

Geformter verschluss für flüssigkeitsbehälter Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0698054B1
EP0698054B1 EP94916028A EP94916028A EP0698054B1 EP 0698054 B1 EP0698054 B1 EP 0698054B1 EP 94916028 A EP94916028 A EP 94916028A EP 94916028 A EP94916028 A EP 94916028A EP 0698054 B1 EP0698054 B1 EP 0698054B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
molded stopper
molded
stopper
container
styrene
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Revoked
Application number
EP94916028A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0698054A1 (de
EP0698054A4 (de
Inventor
Dennis L. Burns
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Supreme Corq Inc
Original Assignee
Supreme Corq Inc
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Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=22019697&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0698054(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Supreme Corq Inc filed Critical Supreme Corq Inc
Priority to EP01123999A priority Critical patent/EP1182223A1/de
Publication of EP0698054A1 publication Critical patent/EP0698054A1/de
Publication of EP0698054A4 publication Critical patent/EP0698054A4/de
Application granted granted Critical
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J9/00—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof
    • C08J9/0061—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof characterized by the use of several polymeric components
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D39/00—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D39/00—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers
    • B65D39/0005—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers made in one piece
    • B65D39/0011—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers made in one piece from natural or synthetic cork, e.g. for wine bottles or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J9/00—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J9/00—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof
    • C08J9/04—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof using blowing gases generated by a previously added blowing agent
    • C08J9/06—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof using blowing gases generated by a previously added blowing agent by a chemical blowing agent
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J9/00—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof
    • C08J9/04—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof using blowing gases generated by a previously added blowing agent
    • C08J9/06—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof using blowing gases generated by a previously added blowing agent by a chemical blowing agent
    • C08J9/08—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof using blowing gases generated by a previously added blowing agent by a chemical blowing agent developing carbon dioxide
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J9/00—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof
    • C08J9/04—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof using blowing gases generated by a previously added blowing agent
    • C08J9/06—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof using blowing gases generated by a previously added blowing agent by a chemical blowing agent
    • C08J9/10—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof using blowing gases generated by a previously added blowing agent by a chemical blowing agent developing nitrogen, the blowing agent being a compound containing a nitrogen-to-nitrogen bond
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M1/00—Inking and printing with a printer's forme
    • B41M1/40—Printing on bodies of particular shapes, e.g. golf balls, candles, wine corks
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J2201/00—Foams characterised by the foaming process
    • C08J2201/02—Foams characterised by the foaming process characterised by mechanical pre- or post-treatments
    • C08J2201/024—Preparation or use of a blowing agent concentrate, i.e. masterbatch in a foamable composition
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J2353/00—Characterised by the use of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Derivatives of such polymers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J2353/00—Characterised by the use of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Derivatives of such polymers
    • C08J2353/02—Characterised by the use of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Derivatives of such polymers of vinyl aromatic monomers and conjugated dienes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J2423/00—Characterised by the use of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Derivatives of such polymers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
    • Y10T428/131—Glass, ceramic, or sintered, fused, fired, or calcined metal oxide or metal carbide containing [e.g., porcelain, brick, cement, etc.]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24479—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including variation in thickness
    • Y10T428/24496—Foamed or cellular component

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to molded stoppers for removable insertion into a wine bottle and to a method of making such stoppers.
  • the present invention relates to a composition for producing molded stoppers for wine bottles, from a specific thermoplastic elastomer mixed with a blowing agent.
  • the invention relates to a method for making the molded stopper.
  • cork The most commonly used material for making stopper-type bottle closures is natural cork.
  • Cork has variable properties with respect to color, drying, shrinkage or expansion, crumbling, sticking to containers and seal formation. These features are generally unsatisfactory in terms of production and consumer costs as well as product performance.
  • cork may also impart an odor to the product, causing it to be rejected by consumers.
  • nearly 10% of bottled wine is discarded because of unpredictable contamination by mold from natural cork.
  • the use of cork for producing bottle closures is becoming increasingly expensive as the supply of trees from which cork is obtained rapidly diminishes.
  • thermoplastic compositions are injected into relatively cool molds, leading to the formation of a dense outer "skin" at the surface of the closure and a porous, foam-like interior.
  • the composition of the closure and the structural relationship between the outer skin and porous core of the closure may be critical to the sealing capabilities of the finished closure.
  • Other foam thermoplastic closures have suffered problems due to wrinkling of the outer skin layer, which can produce leakage fissures between the closure and container.
  • Other prior art closures have different sealing problems, for example, failing to quickly return to normal size after compression, such that reliable seal formation requires containers to be kept in an upright position for an extended period after insertion of the closure. Further, prior art closures are unable to significantly retain printed matter for a significant period of time.
  • United States Patent No. 4,363,849 discloses the production of thermoplastic closures having a natural cork-like appearance. Special molding apparatus are used, however, and it is necessary to gradually release the air in the cold molding cavity that is displaced by the injected thermoplastic resinous material by means of controlled minimum venting or other means in order to maintain a heightened pressure, for example about 110.3 MPa (16,000 psi), within the mold.
  • United States Patent No. 4,188,457 discloses a thermoplastic composition that is also used to form closures for wine bottles.
  • the thermoplastic composition includes sulfur dioxide and water, and the sulfur dioxide is said to act as an oxygen scavenger. This method is undesirable, however, because the sulfur dioxide or the metabisulphite from which it is produced may taint the liquid in the closure.
  • EP-A-0250057 discloses a synthetic closure made from a thermoplastic elastomer, namely a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer.
  • the closure is described as a synthetic sealing gasket which is adapted to either (1) fit inside a bottle cap, i.e. a crown cork, or (2) fit around and adjacent to the annular under surface associated with a bottle screw closure, i.e. a T-top.
  • US-A-4,449,141, US-A-3,984,022 and US-A-4,188,457 describe synthetic closures made preferably from an olefin having good flexibility and resiliency, e.g. ethylenevinylacetate (EVA) copolymer.
  • EVA ethylenevinylacetate copolymer
  • low density polyethylene mixed with ethylene/propylene rubber and/or polyisobutylene are also contemplated.
  • thermoplastic elastomer TPE
  • blowing agent that, when fitted into a liquid container, offers high resistance to oxygen permeation and produces little or no product tainting, has essentially all of the desirable qualities of natural cork, but preferably none of the undesirable features and reliably seals liquid container immediatefy upon insertion, and/or that is able to retain printed matter.
  • thermoplastic elastomer is at least one styrene block copolymer selected from a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS), a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS), and a styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEPS).
  • SEBS styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer
  • SIS styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer
  • SEPS styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene block copolymer
  • the present invention also provided a method of making the above stopper having a print thereon comprising:
  • the molded stopper of the present invention is preferably molded in the shape of a cork sized to fit a wine bottle. It has substantial uniformity of size, shape and weight and is aesthetically pleasing. Its appearance is distinctive from the look of natural cork by virtue of the present invention's artificial coloring, marbled surface texture, and ability to have a symbol embossed on its surface, preferably at one or both of its ends.
  • the stopper may be readily inserted into liquid containers using standard bottling equipment, and is easily removed using a traditional corkscrew without sticking, crumbling or subsequent expansion. Because the molded stopper of the invention does not expand upon removal, it may be re-inserted into the liquid container, thereby reclosing the container when it is not fully emptied.
  • the molded stopper may also be contacted with liquid contents in the container immediately after insertion, thereby removing the need for a waiting period to allow for formation of a proper seal between the molded stopper and the container before the container is placed horizontally.
  • the molded stopper can also permanently retain printed matter.
  • Figure 1 depicts a molded closure suitable for a wine bottle, the molded closure evidencing a marbled surface texture, an embossed symbol on an end, printing on its side, and a radius at its edge.
  • a molded stopper for wine bottles that can function as a suitable replacement for natural cork, wherein it is possible to control the size, shape, surface texture, surface lubricity, resilience, elasticity, density distribution, and aesthetic appearance of the molded closure.
  • the present invention features a molded stopper for a wine bottle, comprising a TPE and a blowing agent in a ratio suitable to provide a molded stopper able to close a bottle of wine, thereby preventing spillage, and able to prevent passage of oxygen from the atmosphere to the wine, while simultaneously not substantially absorbing oxygen from the wine or the air space within the wine bottle between the molded stopper and the wine.
  • the molded stopper has the ability to be removed with a corkscrew without substantial expansion, crumbling or disintegration (such expansion, crumbling or disintegration either causes the wine to become generally unpalatable and/or render the molded stopper unusable).
  • the molded stopper It is possible to print on the molded stopper, including on the surface of the molded stopper that contacts the container, and the container can be placed on its side immediately after the molded stopper is inserted into the container.
  • the molded stopper also has the ability to be used over an extended period (suitable for the wine to properly age to reach an appropriate drinkability, which can be about two years or more), and the ability to resist solvation in alcohol, acid or base, thereby keeping the wine free from tainting.
  • the molded stopper further comprises one or more of a lubricant, a coloring agent, a filler, or other additives that can improve the performance and/or producibility of the stoppers.
  • the molded stopper does not, for example, include an oxygen scavenger, such as sulfur dioxide, which has been used in the past to increase the impermeability of synthetic corks, but which can taint the wine.
  • the molded stopper is formed from a composition comprising one or more TPEs and one or more blowing agents.
  • the durometer measurement of the molded stopper which is effectively an indirect measure of the hardness of the TPE used to make the molded closure, is generally from 65A to 90A, typically from 70A to 85A, and preferably from 71A or 75A to 80A.
  • the TPE generally comprises from 70% to 97% of the composition, typically from 80% to 95%, and preferably from 90% to 95% of the composition (unless otherwise noted, all percentages herein are by volume).
  • the TPE exhibits little or no interaction with, or tainting of, liquids such as wine.
  • the TPE also has a suitable force of compression for improved sealability and long service life.
  • the TPE is easily processed, enabling fast cycle times and high production rates. Further, selected TPEs meet FDA requirements for indirect food additives intended to come in contact with food.
  • the TPE comprises a styrenic block copolymer selected from one or more of a styrene-ethylene-butylene-stryrene copolymer ("SEBS"), a styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymer, and a styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene copolymer.
  • SEBS styrene-ethylene-butylene-stryrene copolymer
  • SEBS styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymer
  • styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene copolymer styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene copolymer.
  • SEBS styrene-ethylene-butylene-stryrene copolymer
  • SEBS styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymer
  • the styrenic block copolymer is SEBS.
  • SEBS copolymers include J-VON® , DYNAFLEX GS6771-000 AND DYNAFLEX GX6768-1000, which possess desirable ozone and heat resistance for a long service life.
  • SEBS copolymers are resistant to water, bases, acids, and alcohol.
  • J-VON® is commercially available from J. Von Ltd. Partnership, Leominster, Massachusetts; DYNAFLEX GS677I-000 and GX6768-1000 are available from CC&P, Portland, Oregon.
  • the blowing agent generally comprises greater than 1% of the composition, and typically comprises a range that includes includes at least 1.3%, 1.5% or 2.0% of the composition, and less than 9.0%, 5.0%, 4.0% or 3.0% of the composition.
  • the blowing agent comprises from 1.3% to 3% of the composition, typically from 1.5% to 2.5%, and preferably 2% of the composition.
  • the precise amount of blowing agent used may be determined by one skilled in the art of taking into account the precise polymer, blowing agent, and other ingredients used, as well as the molding conditions.
  • the use of too much blowing agent will generally result in a molded stopper that has excessively large cells in its interior, thus causing the molded stopper to be overly spongy and potentially inconsistent during production.
  • the use of too little blowing agent will generally result in a molded closure that does not have enough cells or inadequately sized cells. Such a molded stopper can be too hard for routine removal using a corkscrew, among other problems.
  • the blowing agent is Spectratech FM1150H, which is commercially available from Quantum Chemical Corp., USI Division, Cincinnati, Ohio.
  • SpectratechTM FMI 150H is a polyolefin-based compound consisting of a low-density polyethylene based endothermic foam concentrate, comprising 50% of resin of the formula CH 3 -(CH 2 ) n -CH 3 and 50% of a combination of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ) and citric acid.
  • the beneficial qualities of SpectratechTM FM1150H include rapid degassing, improved cycle times, improved density distribution, and superior surfaces for molded articles.
  • Other suitable blowing agents such as azodicarbonamide, ozodecarbonoxide, and sodium bicarbonate also may be used. Still other blowing agents may be used.
  • one or more fillers may be used in combination with the TPE and other added materials.
  • the filler may comprise calcium carbonate. If such a filler is used, it comprises up to 20% or more of the composition, but preferably up to about 5% of the composition. Using such a filler can economize material expenditures. Other filler materials are apparent to those skilled in the art.
  • powder or liquid pigments are added to the mixture of TPE and other materials.
  • the powder or liquid pigments generally comprise less than about 1% of the total composition.
  • the pigment is pre-blended with a thermoplastic resinous material such as polypropylene, and/or a portion of the TPE, before its addition to the main feedstock of TPE and other materials.
  • the composition comprises about 96% TPE, about 2% blowing agent, about 2% low density polypropylene, and a minor percentage of a desired pigment.
  • the pigment, the polypropylene and about 2% of the TPE are pre-blended, then introduced as a homogeneous mixture to the remaining TPE and blowing agent.
  • the composition further comprises a filler
  • the composition comprises from about 75% to about 95% TPE, from about 1.5% to about 2.5% blowing agent, and up to about 20% filler.
  • a lubricant such as a fatty acid, a silicone, alcohol or water (including mineral water) is added before or after the molding, which may ease insertion of the molded stopper into a container.
  • the lubricant is a fatty acid, and comprises less than about 0.5% of the total composition.
  • the present invention provides a molded stopper that has a rounded edge, or radius, which is preferably convex.
  • the radius is on both edges ( i . e ., the top and bottom) of the stopper.
  • Such a radius allows easier and more effective insertion of the modled closure into a container (particularly a wine bottle), allows the molded stopper to maintain a more uniform exterior surface when the molded stopper is placed within a container, and is believed to assist in the ability of the molded closure to permit a container to be placed on its side substantially immediately after insertion of the molded stopper.
  • the molded stopper can permanently retain printed matter on the surface of the molded stopper that contacts the container.
  • the surface of a molded stopper is typically very slick and therefore unable to effectively receive or to retain such printed matter.
  • the compound is preferably an SEBS copolymer, although another thermoplastic elastomer as mentioned above may also be used for this embodiment of the invention.
  • the molded closure, subsequent to molding is preferably subjected to a treatment to prepare the surface for printing.
  • the treatment comprises subjecting the molded stopper to high intensity electromagnetic radiation, and preferably in the visible light range or near the visible light range ( e.g. , U.V. light).
  • a corona pre-treatment which is a standard treatment in the priming industry.
  • the treatment is preferably performed prior to printing, but can be performed after printing.
  • a wine bottle can be placed horizontally generally within about 4 hours, typically within about 1 hour, and preferably substantially immediately after receiving a molded stopper produced according to the present invention. It is believed that this property of the molded stopper is attained because the inventive composition permits the molded stopper to achieve an interior cell size that causes the molded stopper to return to at least about 90% of its original diameter within 4 to 5 seconds after being released from a compressed state. It is also believed that the inclusion of a radius edge on the molded stopper aids this property of the molded stopper.
  • the molded stopper after the molded stopper is compressed and inserted into the container, the molded stopper-returns to approximately its normal size within from 4 to 5 seconds, thereby allowing the container to be immediately placed horizontally without spilling the contents of the container and without interfering with the seal between the molded stopper and the container.
  • the container when the container is a wine bottle, it does not need a standing period before being racked.
  • one or more other materials may also be added to the overall composition, including chemical blowing agent activators and other additives that can improve the producibility and/or performance of the stoppers.
  • a material can be added that can enhance the aroma and/or flavor of the liquid in the container.
  • the molded stopper may be created using standard injection molding procedures.
  • the bulk of the materials of the composition are thoroughly mixed to provide a uniform feedstock.
  • the feedstock is next processed to be suitable for injection into an injection mold.
  • pigment, polypropylene and a small portion of the TPE are mixed to homogeneity.
  • the prepared feedstock and the pigment bearing mixture are then injected into the mold, generally over a period of from 0.02 to 6 seconds, typically from 0.03 to 2 seconds, and preferably from 0.04 to 1 second.
  • the mold has a desired shape, which preferably is the shape of a wine cork.
  • the molding pressure is generally from 1379 to 6206 kPa (200 to 900 psi), typically from 2068 to 5516 kPa (300 to 800 psi), and preferably from 2758 to 4827 kPa (400 to 700 psi).
  • the molding temperature is generally from 149 to 288°C (300 to 550°F), typically from 163 to 218°C (325 to 425°F), and preferably from 177 to 204°C (350 to 400°F), and further preferably about 191°C (375°F).
  • the mixture is generally maintained in the mold from 20 seconds to 90 seconds, typically from 30 seconds to 80 seconds, and preferably from 35 seconds to 60 seconds. Further preferably, the molding is performed as quickly as possible. Further, no special venting is required.
  • the composition is injected into the mold at a rate and temperature such that the softened or molten composition randomly coils about in the mold, much like a string being lowered into a bottle, to produce visible random curling along the surface of the molded stopper, as depicted in Figure 1.
  • the composition is injected at a rate and temperature such that random curling is avoided.
  • the air in the mold at the beginning of a mold cycle is preferably removed from the mold by means of a vacuum assist coordinated with the injection of the composition.
  • the vacuum assist can be applied for about the last second of the injection period, or it may be first applied after the end of the injection period. Applying the vacuum assist too early in the injection period may result in overly large cell spaces within the molded closure, yielding an overly spongy product. Failure to use a vacuum assist may result in increased cycle times.
  • the mold is opened and the molded stopper is removed.
  • Molding times, pressures, venting, cooling, vacuum assisting, product removal, and other factors relevant to injection molding will be based upon the precise combination of materials included in the overall composition, the type, size and shape of the mold, and other factors apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art.
  • the mold preferably at one or both ends, can have embossed thereon a desired symbol, such as a crest of a wine cellar or lettering, and that such embossed symbol will be imparted to the cork.

Claims (15)

  1. Geformter Stöpsel zur herausnehmbaren Einführung in eine Weinflasche, erhältlich aus einer Zusammensetzung, umfassend ein thermoplastisches Elastomer und ein Treibmittel, wobei das thermoplastische Elastomer mindestens ein Styrol-Blockcopolymer, ausgewählt aus einem Styrol-Ethylen-Butylen-Styrol-Blockcopolymer (SEBS), einem Styrol-Isopren-Styrol-Blockcopolymer (SIS) und einem Styrol-Ethylen/Propylen-Styrol-Blockcopolymer (SEPS) ist.
  2. Geformter Stöpsel nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das thermoplastische Elastomer ein Styrol-Ethylen-Butylen-Styrol-Blockcopolymer (SEBS) ist.
  3. Geformter Stöpsel nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der geformte Stöpsel einen Füllstoff enthält.
  4. Geformter Stöpsel nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Füllstoff 5 Gew.-% bis 20 Gew.-% des geformten Stöpsels ausmacht.
  5. Geformter Stöpsel nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der geformte Stöpsel ein Farbmittel enthält.
  6. Geformter Stöpsel nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der geformte Stöpsel ein Schmiermittel enthält.
  7. Geformter Stöpsel nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Schmiermittel eine oder mehrere Substanzen, ausgewählt aus einer Fettsäure, einem Silicon, einem Alkohol und Wasser, ist.
  8. Geformter Stöpsel nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Schmiermittel eine Fettsäure ist.
  9. Geformter Stöpsel nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der geformte Stöpsel einen Radius an einem Rand aufweist.
  10. Geformter Stöpsel nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Radius konvex ist.
  11. Geformter Stöpsel nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der geformte Stöpsel eine marmorierte Oberflächentextur aufweist.
  12. Geformter Stöpsel nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der geformte Stöpsel gedrucktes Material darauf aufweist.
  13. Geformter Stöpsel nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Treibmittel Azodicarbonamid oder Natriumhydrogencarbonat ist.
  14. Geformter Stöpsel nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Treibmittel 1 Gew.-% bis 5 Gew.-% der harzartigen Mischung ausmacht.
  15. Verfahren zum Herstellen des geformten Stöpsels nach Anspruch 1 mit einem Aufdruck darauf, umfassend:
    (a) Vereinigen des thermoplastischen Elastomers und des Treibmittels zu einer Mischung, die sich für das Einspritzen in eine Spritzgießform eignet;
    (b) Einspritzen der Mischung in eine Spritzgießform;
    (c) Halten der Mischung in der Spritzgießform, bis die Mischung unter Bildung eines geformten Stöpsels wirksam aushärtet;
    (d) Entnehmen des geformten Stöpsels aus der Spritzgießform;
    (e) Unterziehen des geformten Stöpsels einer Behandlung, umfassend eine intensitätsstarke elektromagnetische Strahlung; und
    (f) Einbringen von gedrucktem Material auf die Oberfläche des geformten Stöpsels, um einen bedruckten geformten Stöpsel zu bilden.
EP94916028A 1993-05-05 1994-05-05 Geformter verschluss für flüssigkeitsbehälter Revoked EP0698054B1 (de)

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EP01123999A EP1182223A1 (de) 1993-05-05 1994-05-05 Geformter Verschluss für Flüssigkeitsbehälter

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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US58914 1993-05-05
US08/058,914 US5496862A (en) 1993-05-05 1993-05-05 Molded styrene block copolymer closure for a wine container
PCT/US1994/005002 WO1994025513A1 (en) 1993-05-05 1994-05-05 Molded closure for a liquid container

Related Child Applications (1)

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EP01123999A Division EP1182223A1 (de) 1993-05-05 1994-05-05 Geformter Verschluss für Flüssigkeitsbehälter

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EP0698054A1 EP0698054A1 (de) 1996-02-28
EP0698054A4 EP0698054A4 (de) 1996-09-25
EP0698054B1 true EP0698054B1 (de) 2002-04-17

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PL174561B1 (pl) 1998-08-31
SK284433B6 (sk) 2005-04-01
FI955287A0 (fi) 1995-11-03
HU225643B1 (en) 2007-05-02
US5480915A (en) 1996-01-02
EP0698054A1 (de) 1996-02-28
ATE216411T1 (de) 2002-05-15
US6127437A (en) 2000-10-03
EP1182223A1 (de) 2002-02-27
BR9406394A (pt) 1996-02-13
NO954417D0 (no) 1995-11-03
DE69430424D1 (de) 2002-05-23
HU9503147D0 (en) 1995-12-28
NO954417L (no) 1996-01-03
US5710184A (en) 1998-01-20
BG100118A (bg) 1996-07-31
CA2161673A1 (en) 1994-11-10
HUT73270A (en) 1996-07-29
SK136995A3 (en) 1996-12-04
US5496862A (en) 1996-03-05
DE69430424T2 (de) 2002-12-05
ES2176246T3 (es) 2002-12-01
HK1044788A1 (zh) 2002-11-01
PT698054E (pt) 2002-09-30
JPH09500074A (ja) 1997-01-07
NZ266368A (en) 1996-11-26
FI955287A (fi) 1996-01-03
CN1075088C (zh) 2001-11-21
KR960702490A (ko) 1996-04-27
CZ288095A3 (en) 1996-02-14
CN1124968A (zh) 1996-06-19
RO115528B1 (ro) 2000-03-30
WO1994025513A1 (en) 1994-11-10
US5692629A (en) 1997-12-02
CA2161673C (en) 2005-07-12
EP0698054A4 (de) 1996-09-25
US5855287A (en) 1999-01-05
JP3420238B2 (ja) 2003-06-23
PL311642A1 (en) 1996-03-04
BG63016B1 (bg) 2001-01-31
RU2127699C1 (ru) 1999-03-20
AU6783894A (en) 1994-11-21
AU691497B2 (en) 1998-05-21

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